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Book Review of A Whisper of Peace

A Whisper of Peace
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Set in 1898, this is the captivating story of a young woman living alone in the Alaskan wilderness. Lizzies childhood is perfect with her Indian mother and white trapper father until he decides to return to his white family in San Francisco. Her father chooses to leave his wife and daughter behind, stating that they will not fit into the white world. The trouble is that they are already ostracized by her mothers Indian tribe because of her white father, and therefore mother and daughter are left to provide for themselves alone in the wilderness. As long as she has her mother, Lizzie can accept her life. But then her mother dies, leaving her with no one to rely on but herself. Lizzie is very self sufficient and can care for herself quite wellshe can hunt, trap, fish, harvest food, tend her sled dogs and survive just fine except for one thingthe terrible loneliness that eats at her soul day and night. Then, just when Lizzie decides to try to find her father and begin a new life for herself, two missionaries come to her mothers village to share the gospel and accidentally stumble upon Lizzie. They befriend her and her whole world begins to change.

Yes, this is a beautiful love story about two people from entirely different cultures and backgrounds but it is so much more. While the interaction between Lizzie and the young missionary is satisfying in and of itself, there is much more to the story. Watching the circumstances of Lizzies isolation from her people through no fault of her own, I found it very interesting to contemplate how much we all hurt each other by getting so caught up in the race controversy. God has never distinguished between racesman does that. In Lizzies story we see how judging someone just by the color of their skin causes so much hurt and division. Sensitive and well written, this story clearly demonstrates the destruction caused by racism and prompts Christians to think about treating each other the way God intendedas one blood (Acts 17:26).

I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.